Featherstone Winery of Niagara was first off the mark with Novotel's launch of their Trio Restaurant 'sharing plates' concept in Ottawa—pairing tapas-sized morsels of haute cuisine with three glasses of VQA wine. It will be soon coming to a Novotel near you as nine more launches will take place across North America. When in Ottawa in the coming weeks, you can sample the fare. Even better, you can sample the fare at one of the two remaining wine maker dinners—a different winery and winemaker each night—via The Savvy Grapes site then attending one of these special events being held June 19 and September 11, 2008. This event was sold out; I would expect the same of the next two.

Featherstone owner and winemaker David Johnson stressed that his wine are all about being food-friendly. I've reviewed just one of the six VQA wines served that evening. It was truly amazing in that it matched almost every one of the five plates served.


Featherstone Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2006
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $15.95
The expressive nose delivers citrus, floral and herbaceous aromas. Expect a medium- bodied and full-textured mouthful of tropical fruit (melon and white peach) flavours and a generous dollop of citrus tang. This focused, refreshing and enjoyable with a medium-length dry crisp finish. It paired extremely well with chicken with cheese and fresh grape tomato. Purchase direct from the winery www.featherstonewinery.ca . (VH)

If you haven't already, it's time you discovered the good things that are happening in Prince Edward County, Ontario's newly minted VQA wine region—and what better way than to taste the wines. Rosehall Run Vineyard is a seven year old, 24 acre property owned by Lynn and winemaker husband Dan Sullivan. They planted primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines which are well-suited to their cooler climate. The following wines were tasted with assistant winemaker Robin St. George. As bright and refreshing as the wine, she provided the technical data provided in the reviews below. Order wines directly from the winery, in full or mixed cases of six or twelve and have it delivered to your door, order on-line rosehallrun.com or by phone 1.888.399.1183.


Rosehall Run 'Sullyzwicker White' 2006
VQA Ontario $11.95
This zesty blend is an almost even split of Riesling and Ehrenfelser (Riesling x Sylvaner cross) with five per cent Gewürztraminer. Just a hint 'off-dry', look for aromas of pineapple and mineral with flavours in the lemon-lime and white grapefruit zones. It's an ideal summer sipper, finishing clean and refreshing, and also food friendly—try pan-seared freshwater fish under a generous drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon. (VH)


Rosehall Run 'Barrel Fermented' Chardonnay 2006
VQA Ontario $18.95
Rosehall has fashioned a nicely textured, pure and pristine wine offering very good value; earning its final ½ star on the price-quality ratio. Vibrant green apple and citrus flavours are infused with a gentle hint of spice from well-integrated oak (eight to ten months of French and Hungarian) with a clean and lip-smacking finish. Lovely sipped on its own, pair it with lightly herbed poultry or veal, or alongside chicken a la king. (VH)


Rosehall Run 'Rosehall Vineyard' Chardonnay
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95
This gorgeously textured estate wine is from Rosehall's own meticulously tended seven-year-old vines. The lifted nose offers aromas of spiced pit fruit—peach and yellow plum, and a hint of minerality. It's medium bodied, nicely structured and full flavoured—spice, vanilla, Granny Smith apple and apricot, with a lengthy, almost creamy, finish. Perfectly paired with lobster dipped in clarified butter or turkey dinner with all the fixings. (VH)


Rosehall Run 'Sullyzwicker Red' 2006
VQA Prince Edward County $15.95 (69625)
Freshly picked and sliced strawberry aromas open up this built-for-fun red. Well balanced and medium bodied, it's straightforward and uncomplicated—spiced black plum and cherry flavours up front with no perceptible tannins and a food-friendly dollop of moderating acidity. Well-paced and well-priced, give it a go with burgers, pizza, or pasta in a tomato-based sauce. Also available in the LCBO. (VH)


Rosehall Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
VQA Ontario $29.95
This is a gorgeous wine, made from grapes sourced from Niagara's premium 'Beamsville Bench' appellation. Like a gangly teenager, it needs time to fill out; right now it's a untamed mélange of aromas and flavours, delicious black, ripe and juicy berry fruit, fresh mint and cassis, with a lovely spine of acidity and still grippy tannins. It also sports a fully flavoured and fruit-forward finish. Tuck this away for three years. Can't wait? Decant for three or four hours and enjoy with a grilled rare to medium rare hunk of beef. (VH)